The third Forum on the Development of Tibet of China opened in Athens on Thursday to further introduce Tibet to the world.

The forum is jointly sponsored by China's State Council Information Office, the Chinese embassy in Greece and the Hellenic-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industries to enhance the world's understanding of Tibet and strengthen international co-operation on the development of Tibet.

Over 200 government officials and scholars, as well as business and media representatives from Greece, China and other countries are attending the forum.

Topics of the two-day event will include Tibet's economic-social development, cultural heritage, environmental protection, technology, education, tourism development and foreign investment opportunities.

The snow-capped plateau is now enjoying a golden era of development, with a growing economy, an evolving society, a prosperous culture, a higher living standard, harmony among different religious and ethnic groups, and happy life enjoyed by local people, Wang Chen, head of the Chinese State Council Information Office, said at the opening ceremony.

Tibet is now keeping pace with the world's development and has, due to its unique advantages, shown great potential for future growth, he said.

He believed this forum would promote Tibet's development and its cooperation with foreign countries.

Addressing the forum, Constantine N. Yannidis, president of the Hellenic-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industries, said this event is very important because it will enhance the Greek society's understanding of Tibet and promote the friendly exchange between the two sides.

Chinese Ambassador to Greece Du Qiwen and Chairman of the Greek Parliament Committee on National Defense and Foreign Affairs Konstantinos Vrettos also delivered speeches at the opening ceremony.

The forum was previously held in Vienna in 2007 and Rome in 2009.

(Xinhua News Agency November 10, 2011)